Chelsea vs Sheffield United: Can the Blues bounce back against the Blades?
Chelsea will be desperate to end their dismal run of form and get back to winning ways when they face Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon. The Blues have lost their last two Premier League games against Manchester United and Everton, and have slipped to seventh place in the table. Mauricio Pochettino’s side have also struggled to find the back of the net, scoring only three goals in their last five league games.
Sheffield United, meanwhile, have finally tasted victory after a long wait, beating Brentford 2-1 in their last game. The Blades are still bottom of the league, but have shown signs of improvement under Chris Wilder, who has not given up on their survival hopes. The visitors will also take confidence from their recent record against Chelsea, having won four and lost only three of their eight Premier League meetings.
The game will see the return of summer signing Christopher Nkuku, who has recovered from a hamstring injury and is expected to boost Chelsea’s attack. The French forward, who joined from RB Leipzig, has scored four goals in eight appearances for the Blues, and will partner Nicolas Jackson up front. Malo Gusto, another new arrival from Lyon, could also feature in the game, as Pochettino looks to inject some creativity and flair into his side.
However, Chelsea will have to cope without several key players, who are sidelined with injuries or suspensions. Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is out with a thigh problem, while captain Reece James faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a knee injury. Marc Cucurella, along with Romeo Lavia, Trevoh Chalobah, Lesley Ugochukwu, Wesley Fofana, Ben Chilwell, Noni Madueke, and Carney Chukwuemeka.
Sheffield United will also be missing some important players, most notably Jack Robinson, who is suspended for the game after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season. However, the Blades will welcome back Oli McBurnie and Oliver Norwood, who have served their one-match bans and are likely to start in attack and midfield respectively. Wilder will also hope that David McGoldrick, who scored twice in the reverse fixture, can recover from a knock and feature in the game.
Chelsea possible XI: Petrovic; Disasi, Silva, Badiashile, Colwill, Caicedo, Sterling, Gallagher, Palmer, Mudryk Jackson.
Sheffield United possible XI: Foderingham; Bogle, Ahmedhodzic, Trusty, Lowe; McAtee, Norwood, Souza, Hamer, Archer; McBurnie.
